Gray, who ran for 412 yards on 89 carries in eight games this season, had four carries for four yards in the AFC Championship game for New England. It was his first action in a game since Dec. 21 againt the Jets when he had six carries for five yards.

Jones and Stork were the only two players listed on the injury report coming into the contest. Jones was considered probable due to an elbow injury. Stork was ruled out due to a knee issue. The other five players listed are considered healthy scratches.

Patriots place CB Alfonzo Dennard on injured reserve

by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com

(12/27/2014)The Patriots placed cornerback Alfonzo Dennard on season-ending injured reserve with a hamstring injury, reports Field Yates of ESPN on Saturday. Dennard appeared in only six games this season, registering 15 combined tackles and one interception -- all season lows.

In corresponding moves, the Patriots elevated wide receiver Josh Boyce from the practice squad to take the spot of Dennard on the 53-man active roster. They re-signed Dax Swanson to the practice squad and released defensive lineman Cam Henderson.

Josh Boyce given pink slip by Patriots

(8/30/2014)Wide receiver Josh Boyce, who emerged as a contributor late last season, has been cut by the Patriots.

Boyce caught seven passes in the last two games he played in 2013.

Josh Boyce, Kenbrell Thompkins likely vying for one spot

by Larry Hartstein | Senior Analyst

(7/8/2014)Patriots second-year receivers Josh Boyce and Kenbrell Thompkins are on the roster bubble heading into training camp, with only one spot available, reports the team's website. Thompkins put up far better numbers as a rookie -- 32 catches, 466 yards, 4 TDs -- but he has inconsistent hands and Boyce is more explosive.

Josh Boyce more comfortable in Year 2

(6/6/2014)Patriots wideout Josh Boyce said he feels a lot more comfortable entering Year 2. He might have to beat out Kenbrell Thompkins, another second-year receiver, to earn a roster spot.

"I learned a lot last year about working harder and smarter from [Julian] Edelman and [Danny] Amendola," Boyce told the team's website. "I feel a lot more comfortable and I'm starting to play a lot faster, and I'm not having to think as much. I'm just reacting and playing instead of thinking about my every move."

Injuries limited Boyce to 10 games in his rookie year. He caught nine balls for 121 yards before going on IR with a foot injury.

Patriots have decisions to make at receiver

The first is deciding to pay free agent Julian Edelman. The report says Edelman might want a contract similar to what Danny Amendola got last season (five years and a max value of $31 million). But the Patriots will probably offer Edelman something similar to their offer to Wes Welker (two years, $10 million). Based on that, the report expects Edelman to chase the money elsewhere.

Amendola is safe this offseason despite a down year, but he could be released after the 2014 season if he struggles again. The team hopes the three second-year receivers of Aaron Dobson, Kenbrell Thompkins and Josh Boyce continue to develop, and getting Rob Gronkowski (ACL) back at 100 percent is vital.

Two Patriots probably out for Week 17 clash

by Marty Gitlin | CBSSports.com

(12/27/2013)The Patriots have listed 18 players on their Friday injury report, but only two are unlikely to play Sunday against visiting Buffalo. They are ruled-out wide receiver Josh Boyce (ankle) and doubtful cornerback Devin McCourty (concussion).

Patriots duo sidelined from Friday session

by Marty Gitlin | CBSSports.com

(12/27/2013)Patriots wide receiver Josh Boyce (ankle) and free safety Devin McCourty (concussion) were absent from Friday practice. They have been all but ruled out for the regular season finale against Buffalo, ESPN has speculated.

Patriots down two at Thursday practice

by Marty Gitlin | CBSSports.com

(12/26/2013)Safety Devin McCourty (concussion) and wideout Josh Boyce (ankle) remained sidelined from Patriots practice on Thursday. McCourty left the game Sunday against Baltimore with the head injury. Boyce was inactive for that game.

Their statuses for the regular season finale against Buffalo will be clearer Friday when the team issues its injury report.

Josh Boyce red-lighted again from practice on Friday

(12/20/2013)Patriots wide receiver Josh Boyce missed his third consecutive practice Friday with an ankle injury, dimming his chances of playing Sunday at Baltimore.

Boyce has emerged recently as a pass-catching threat. Though he has yet to score a touchdown, he has seven receptions for 91 yards in his last two games combined.

Nate Solder, Josh Boyce sit out Wednesday practice

by Marty Gitlin | CBSSports.com

(12/18/2013)Two Patriots were unseen Wednesday during the media availability portion of practice. Tackle Nate Solder, who cleared concussion protocol in time to play in Week 15 before suffering another one, and emerging wideout Josh Boyce were not on the field, according to the Boston Herald.

Boyce, whose absence remains unexplained, has contributed seven catches for 91 yards in the last two games to aid an injury plagued receiving corps.

Little-used Patriots receivers play a role

by Chris Towers | CBSSports.com

(12/15/2013)With the Patriots receiving corps hit hard by injuries, a couple of role players had to play bigger than expected parts in Sunday's game against the Dolphins in Week 15.

Josh Boyce, who entered the game with just five receptions on the season, hauled in four of seven passes thrown his way. He racked up 42 yards on those receptions, just below his total from last week.

Austin Collie matched a season high with two receptions for 25 yards, while being targeted three times in the 24-20 loss.

Depending on the statuses of Kenbrell Thompkins and Aaron Dobson, the Patriots might need to rely on this duo yet again in Week 16 against the Ravens.

Josh Boyce nets second career catch

by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(12/1/2013)Patriots wide receiver Josh Boyce was held to one catch for 6 yards during a 34-31 win Week 13 at Houston. It was just Boyce's second career catch and first since hauling in a 24-yard catch Week 4.

Patriots list three injured among inactives

by Chris Towers | CBSSports.com

(10/27/2013)The Patriots inactive list features three injured players in Week 8, though their collective absences do not come as much of a surprise. Defensive lineman Tommy Kelly (knee) and Leon Washington (ankle) had been ruled out well before Sunday, and defensive back Aqib Talib (hip) has now missed two straight games.

Patriots get contributions in passing game

by Larry Hartstein | Senior Analyst

(9/30/2013)Five Patriots caught exactly one pass against the Falcons, including rookie wideout Josh Boyce and rookie running back James Develin. Boyce caught a 24-yard pass among three targets, while Develin caught his only target for 15 yards.

Boyce saw more action after Aaron Dobson left with a neck injury.

Josh Boyce goes without a catch

by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com

(9/22/2013)Patriots wide receiver Josh Boyce was targeted by quarterback Tom Brady during the Week 3 win over Tampa Bay. He did not make a catch. Boyce doesn't have a catch this year. The Patriots play at Atlanta Week 4.

The report says Boyce, taken in the fourth round at No. 102, saw more time working with the second team offense.

Boyce able to practice

by Jamey Eisenberg | Senior Fantasy Writer

(5/22/2013)The Boston Globe reports that Patriots rookie receiver Josh Boyce was taking part in OTA workouts Tuesday. Boyce, a fourth-round draft choice out of Texas Christian, was back after missing the rookie-only minicamp for recovery from a previously broken bone in his foot, which is believed to have been injured prior to the combine.

Boyce deals with broken foot

by Jamey Eisenberg | Senior Fantasy Writer

(5/3/2013)ESPN reports that Patriots receiver Josh Boyce did not take part in the rookie-only minicamp Friday. Boyce, a fourth-round draft choice out of Texas Christian, was on the sidelines, presumably as he continues his recovery from a previously broken bone in his foot, which is believed to have been injured prior to the combine. While addressing the media earlier in the day, Boyce described his status as "day-to-day." Coach Bill Belichick wouldn't say if Boyce will play inside or outside when healthy. "Well see," Belichick said. "Hes a pretty smart kid, I think he learns well. Well see what hes able to handle and what hes able to execute on the field."

Boyce to catch passes from Brady

by Jamey Eisenberg | Senior Fantasy Writer

(4/27/2013)Josh Boyce is one lucky wide receiver. As if playing with Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III in high school and the Cincinnati Bengals' Andy Dalton in college wasn't enough, Boyce now will be on the receiving end of passes from Tom Brady after the New England Patriots selected the TCU receiver with the fifth pick of the fourth round Saturday. "All three of them are great guys, great quarterbacks," Boyce said on a conference call with members of the media. "I've been blessed to play with great quarterbacks my whole career." The Patriots acquired the 102nd overall pick to take Boyce in a trade Thursday with Minnesota, shipping their first-rounder - the 29th overall selection - to the Vikings for their second-, third-, fourth- and seventh-round draft choices. Boyce was the second receiver the Patriots took in their first five picks after taking Marshall's Aaron Dobson with the 59th overall selection Friday.